ILLUSTRATION ANDREA DE SANTIS
COACHING SESSION 1: Call for help
The managing director who called me sounded desperate: ‘I need you to bring about a controlled explosion!’ She was in despair about her team of six in-house trainers. Five of them were loud and energetic. They worked in a noisy, open-plan office, had after-work parties and there was lots of ‘high-fiving’ to celebrate success. However, Maria*, the sixth, newest team member was reserved, thoughtful and studious, and liked quiet time alone. A high level of tension and conflict had developed in the team. Maria thought the others were domineering. She required quiet time and felt as if her needs were not respected. The others thought she was aloof and condescending, and was spoiling their fun.